05/2019 KIPLINGER’S PERSONAL FINANCE 67Installing maintenance-free materials is also important,
says Bawden. For example, quartz countertops in the
kitchen and bathroom are super-hard, scratch and stain
resistant, and never need sealing, unlike natural stone.
Quartz is also less expensive than it used to be. Luxury
vinyl plank (LVP) f looring is beautiful, waterproof, durable,
comfortable underfoot and never needs refinishing.WHAT WILL IT COST?
For estimated project costs, the annual Cost Vs. Value Report
from Remodeling magazine is a good resource. In 2019, theBawden’s clients often worry that the finished product
will look institutional. “But we can do gorgeous projects in
which the modifications are invisible,” he says. For exam-
ple, he likes products from Invisiacollection.com, a maker
of grab bars that don’t look like grab bars and may serve
double-duty as toilet-paper holders, soap dishes or shelves.
One of the most popular projects is to install a curbless
shower, even if it means removing the home’s only bath-
tub. That has long been a no-no because it could reduce
the house’s resale value. But, Bawden says, that’s becoming
less of a concern for homeowners today.
1 User-friendly appliances.
Select easy-access models: A
side-by-side-door refrigerator
($900 to $3,800), a stove with
controls near the front ($470 to
$3,500), a raised dishwasher
($680 to $1,300) and a micro-
wave at countertop level ($180
to $1,600). 2 Pull-down
shelving units. Retrofit upper
cabinets to avoid lifting heavy
items (starting at $525 per unit).
3 LED lighting. Add lighting
overhead ($220 to $300 per re-
cessed fixture, installed) and un-
der cabinets ($360 to $460 per
strip, installed). 4 Sink faucet.
Install lever-handled model
that’s easier to grasp, or go with
a touchless version ($350 to
$570, installed). 5 Non-slip
flooring. Install flooring to pre-
vent falls ($4 to $18 per square
foot, installed). 6 Roll-out
shelves. Replace fixed shelves
to avoid bending ($25 to $100
apiece). 7 D-shaped pulls.
Add cabinet handles that are
easier to grasp than knobs
(from $1.40 apiece). 8 Work-
spaces. Vary the heights of
workspaces, or create space to
work while seated (custom cost).
9 Lever-style handsets. Re-
place all household doorknobs
($8 to $130 apiece).879